The Wall's End Miner; Or, a Brief Memoir of the Life of William Crister (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1850. Excerpt: ... 132 CHAPTER VII. Singing--A Dream--Mr. Bramwell--His Cart over Crister--A Garden--Honesty--Sudden Conversions--A few of his last Days--Visit to one of his Daughters--Has a Prayer-Meeting in a Field--Receives his last Ticket--Remarkable Expressions--Attends the Bed of the Dying--The Spirit of Prayer--Family Worship--The Davy Damp--Descends the Pit for the Last Time--Fire-Damp--ChokeDatnp. Prayer and praise were the delight of his soul; and as he was particularly apt at catching a tune, he very often imported a new one, on his return from a visit to the societies; thus ringing a constant change, with a view to enliven and elevate the mind. "Sweet Home"--"Hallelujah"--" Come to Jesus"--"Babylon," &c, were favourites; and to give wider circulation to one with which he was greatly enamoured, he--poor as he was, employed the press. Though extremely partial to the sprightly in music, yet from the correctness of his ear, and the influence which melody had upon his heart, he manifested less vitiated taste than is often found in humble life, and among persons possessed of stirring qualities, with an inclination to revivalism. The introduction of tunes more fit for the circus and the chase, than the house of God, is a subject of occasional regret; and the misfortune is, when once they find their way among persons similar to the originators--possessed of bad ears, weak heads, and warm hearts, they become exceedingly offensive, and are not easily abandoned. If the persons who take a lead in the singing, in Wesleyan Chapels, were to familiarize themselves with the tunes in Mr. Wesley's " Sacred Harmony," and in the Hymn Book, published in 1761, with the "Tunes Annext," the Body would be preserved from much reproach: for though the Founder of Methodism might not be able...